Sunday, December 28, 2008

Daddy's Girl


Molly has always been a daddy's girl. She demands that Daddy put her to bed, help her get dressed, put her plate on the table, get her milk (but not that CUP, THIS cup), and on and on.

I try not to let this hurt my feelings or start to make me feel like I am doing something wrong. But it is hard. And often my feelings do get hurt and I question if I am treating Molly fairly - am I doing and providing the way I did when I only had one daughter. And while I know I can't do it EXACTLY the same, I think I am doing OK.

Especially when, in the middle of the night, Molly yells out MOMMY first, when she is scared or sick, or just waking up, she yells, "MOMMY". When she doesn't think about it, her first instinct is to reach for me. Yes, often she stops and says, "I WANT MY DADDY" or "YOU DON'T".


But I hold on to that instinctual yell for me. It reaffirms that I am doing OK, or maybe even better than OK. She knows I am here for her - even if she chooses to ask for her daddy. Which I think has a lot to do with just proving to me she can... and get away with it. And that is OK too.

4 comments:

Erica said...

I feel your pain. Arley has wanted nothing but Daddy since he was 1 year old. You're a good mommy. They're normal!

InTheFastLane said...

I am thinking that sometimes I wish my kids would want Daddy instead....

Unknown said...

Totally hear you! I get "You're mean" or even the dreaded "I hate you". It just means that we are in fact getting through and we are doing it well! It isn't personal! Let her be a daddy's girl, it will do them both well!!!

Cheri (aka "The Mom Lady") said...

Our granddaughter, Kennedy, is DEFINITELY a 'daddy's girl' and it took awhile for Megan to reconcile her emotions on that as well. I think children naturally gravitate to the opposite sex parent initially - I know my sister and I were always wanting our dad over mom until we were a bit older. Then it was MOM all the way! So be patient. Although, on her wedding day, she will have a special moment with her dad that might cause a little green to come out - Jennifer did with Mike. It's just a blessing she has TWO parents caring for her and nuturing her - so many kids are in broken homes now.